SOURCE: A review of Soviet Women: Walking the Tightrope, in Affilia, Vol. 6, No. 2, Summer, 1991, pp. 97–98.

In the following positive review, Dinerman discusses the predominant thematic concerns of Soviet Women.

This book [Soviet Women] is a delight to read. As one who speaks Russian, is descended from Russians, and who writes with sharp insight, Francine du Plessix Gray is a wonderful guide. She interviews women all over the Soviet Union in different walks of life, of different ages. I felt as if I, too, had met these women, heard them speak about husbands and children, their work and workplace colleagues, and issues women face as they work; I felt as if I had seen them stand in endless lines for food or soap or socks, cook, clean, and care for children and for husbands.

Certain themes come through over and over. Women were moved from virtual chattel status to...